N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin-I, and point-of-care ultrasound in dogs with cardiac and noncardiac causes of nonhemorrhagic ascites.

BACKGROUND: Nonhemorrhagic ascites (NHA) can be caused by cardiac diseases (cNHA) and noncardiac diseases (ncNHA). N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may differentiate between cNHA and ncNHA. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We compared NT-proBNP and cTnI concentrations as well as POCUS findings in dogs presented with cNHA and ncNHA. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 60) were enrolled based on identification of NHA with an effusion packed cell volume < 10%. METHODS: Blood samples were collected and POCUS was performed on all dogs. Dogs were diagnosed with cNHA (n = 28) or ncNHA (n = 32) based on echocardiography. The cNHA group was subdivided into cardiac non-pericardial disease (n = 17) and pericardial disease (n = 11). RESULTS: The NT-proBNP concentration (median; range pmol/L) was significantly higher in the cNHA group (4510; 250-10 000) compared to the ncNHA group (739.5; 250-10 000; P = .01), with a sensitivity of 53.8% and specificity of 85.7% using a cut-off of 4092 pmol/L. The NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the cardiac non-pericardial disease group (8339; 282-10 000) compared with the pericardial disease group (692.5; 250-4928; P = .002). A significant difference in cTnI concentration (median; range ng/L) between the cNHA group (300; 23-112 612) and ncNHA group (181; 17-37 549) was not detected (P = .41). A significantly higher number of dogs had hepatic venous and caudal vena cava distension in the cNHA group compared to the ncNHA group, respectively (18/28 vs 3/29, P < .0001 and 13/27 vs 2/29, P < .001). Gall bladder wall edema was not significantly different between groups (4/28 vs 3/29, P = .74). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: NT-proBNP concentration and POCUS help distinguish between cNHA and ncNHA.

Burnout symptoms and workplace satisfaction among veterinary emergency care providers.

OBJECTIVES: To measure symptoms of burnout among veterinary emergency care providers (VECPs), determine how burnout symptoms among VECPs compare to human emergency care providers, and identify what demographic and workplace variables are associated with these symptoms. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using an online survey and convenience sampling. SUBJECTS: A total of 1204 VECPs including mostly veterinarians and technicians. INTERVENTIONS: An online questionnaire using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Areas of Worklife Survey was distributed between May and July 2018 via an email list and social media. VECPs working less than part-time (<20 h/week) and incomplete survey responses were excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: VECPs had higher total emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and lower total personal accomplishment scores compared to emergency department human healthcare professionals (P < 0.001). Subsets of VECPs with the highest burnout symptom scores included females, residents, those working in private or corporate referral hospitals, and those with off-shift duties. Workplace variables positively associated with burnout symptom scores among these groups typically included perceptions of an unmanageable workload, lack of control over work, little reward (recognition) for work, or an unfair allocation of resources at work. Conversely, VECPs working >20 years and those married or with children at home had lower burnout symptom scores. Workplace variables negatively associated with burnout symptom scores among respondents included perceptions of having a manageable workload, control over work, reward for work, or a fair allocation of resources at work. Multivariable analysis revealed that the variable most positively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization was workload, whereas reward was most positively associated with personal accomplishment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Burnout symptom scores are higher among VECPs compared to human emergency department teams. Targeting workplace variables such as workload and reward is warranted in future studies to determine strategies for reducing burnout among VECPs.

Effect of Nail Grips on Weight Bearing and Limb Function in 30 Dogs 2 Weeks Post Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy.

The objective of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of dogs wearing nail grips in the first 2 weeks following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Thirty dogs were included (n = 13 nail grips and n = 17 sham grips). Visual lameness scores (VLS), total pressure index (TPI), and client-specific outcome measures (CSOMs) were obtained by blinded observers on day 1 and day 14 +/- 3 post TPLO. CSOMs were also obtained on day 7. There were no differences in VLS and TPI between the treatment and sham group on day 14 (p = 0.44 and p = 0.59, respectively) or at any time point. CSOMs assessing walking on slippery flooring, ability to rise, and consistent use of surgical limb on a 5 min walk were also not different between groups (p = 0.78, p = 0.80, and p = 0.63) at any time point. Nail grips were well tolerated in dogs after orthopedic surgery. This study did not demonstrate a benefit for dogs wearing nail grips during the first two weeks after TPLO; however, further studies are warranted.

Evaluation of Iatrogenic Hypocortisolemia Following Trilostane Therapy in 48 Dogs with Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism.

This study aimed to retrospectively describe the clinical progression following diagnosis of iatrogenic hypocortisolemia (iHC) in 48 dogs receiving trilostane for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol concentrations were ≥1.5 mg/dL within 6 mo following diagnosis of iHC in 76.3% of dogs (95% confidence interval [CI] 59.8-88.6%). At the time of study completion, 25% of dogs (95% CI 13.6-39.6%) were receiving either glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids or both; 42% of dogs (95% CI 27.6-56.8%) were on no adrenal-related medications; and the remaining 33% of dogs (95% CI 20.4-48.4%) were receiving trilostane. No patient-, clinicopathologic-, or trilostane-associated factors were identified to influence adrenal recovery following diagnosis of iHC, and it remains difficult to predict the clinical progression in this population of dogs.

Incidence and treatment of feline renal lymphoma: 27 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Lymphoma is the most common feline hematopoietic malignancy. Incidence of renal lymphoma has not been reported as a subset of a large population of feline lymphoma cases. Previous studies have reported renal lymphoma as both a singular entity as well as a component of multicentric disease. The clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, therapy and outcomes related to renal lymphoma have not been reported since Mooney et al in 1987. This retrospective study aimed to describe the incidence of renal lymphoma, clinical signs, treatment and survival. METHODS: Using a database of cats diagnosed with lymphoma between January 2008 and October 2017, cats with renal lymphoma were selected for further analysis. Cases were retrospectively staged according to Mooney et al (1987) and Gabor et al (1998). Data collected included age, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, lymphoma diagnostic method(s), treatment protocol(s) and survival time. Analyses comparing median survival based on therapy administered, renal lymphoma vs multicentric lymphoma, central nervous system involvement, presence of azotemia, anemia and International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage at diagnosis were performed. RESULTS: From a population of 740 cats with lymphoma, 27 cats had renal lymphoma (incidence, 3.6%), and 14 of those cats had multicentric lymphoma. Fewer stage IV and V cases were identified in this data set compared with Mooney et al; however, not all cats were completely staged. Median survival (range) for cats receiving corticosteroids alone compared with those receiving an L-CHOP (L-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisolone)-based protocol was 50 days (20-1027 days) in the corticosteroid group and 203 days (44-2364 days) for the L-CHOP group (P = 0.753) for cats that died secondary to lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Neither clinical stage nor other factors were predictive of survival. Prospective studies are required to determine the optimal chemotherapy protocol.

Retrospective study of proliferative urethritis in dogs: Clinical presentation and outcome using various treatment modalities in 11 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative urethritis (PU) is an uncommon inflammatory and infiltrative disease of the urethra in female dogs, often associated with urinary tract infection (UTI). It typically presents with evidence of urethral obstruction (UO). OBJECTIVES: Identify clinical features in dogs with PU and determine outcome after different treatment modalities. ANIMALS: Eleven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with histopathologic diagnosis of PU from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated, including information on clinical pathology, imaging, and histopathology. Outcomes of various treatment modalities were recorded and compared. Long-term urethral patency (>6 months) was considered treatment success. RESULTS: All dogs were female and presented with UO. Eight (73%) had a history of UTI. Ten of 11 survived to discharge and were used for long-term data collection. Seven of 10 (70%) were treated using an effacement procedure (balloon dilatation [BD], stent, or both) and 6/7 (86%) achieved long-term urethral patency (>6 months). Seven of 10 had UO recurrence after their first procedure, including 3/3 (100%) that did not have effacement and 4/7 that did (57%), at a median of 101 days and 687 days, respectively. After effacement, the duration of patency was longer for those treated using a stent than BD alone (median, 843 days and 452 days, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Proliferative urethritis is a recurrent disease often associated with UTI. The best outcome of long-term urethral patency occurred after lesion effacement, either by BD or stenting. Future prospective studies should determine the impact of immunosuppressive treatment.

The Stryker Regenkit PRP Kit Does Not Concentrate Canine Platelets.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) works to recruit growth factors, anti-inflammatory mediators, and blood supply to an area that may not heal well under normal conditions (e.g., joints, tendons, ligaments). Previous research has demonstrated that various PRP systems create vastly different final products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cellular composition of the final plasma product using the Stryker RegenKit system in dogs. A peripheral blood sample was obtained from ten healthy adult dogs and compared to the final plasma product. A standard CBC was performed prior to testing and an additional sample was processed according the manufacturing guidelines for obtaining PRP (10 ml total blood). Comparisons of mean platelet count, erythrocyte count, and leukocyte count were made between the peripheral blood sample and the final plasma product. Results showed that there was no significant difference in platelet count between the peripheral blood CBC and final PRP CBC (p = 0.349). There were significantly fewer erythrocytes and leukocytes in the final plasma product when compared with peripheral blood (p = < 0.0001, p = 0.0318, respectively). These results indicate that the Stryker Regenkit PRP Kit decreases leukocyte and erythrocyte concentrations but does not consistently change platelet concentrations in its final plasma product. This study, in combination with results from similar studies, may allow clinicians to better choose the appropriate PRP system to treat various musculoskeletal conditions in dogs.

The Incidence of Radiographic Lesions of Endodontic Origin Associated With Uncomplicated Crown Fractures of the Maxillary Fourth Premolar in Canine Patients.

Fractured maxillary fourth premolar teeth are commonly diagnosed in canine patients. These fractures are subdivided into uncomplicated and complicated, depending on absence or presence of pulp exposure, respectively. Pulp injury associated with fractures can lead to pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and "lesions of endodontic origin" (LEO) on intraoral radiographs. The incidence of LEO associated with uncomplicated crown fractures (UCFs) of the maxillary fourth premolar in canine patients is currently unknown. We hypothesized that a significant number of UCFs of the maxillary fourth premolar would have LEO evident on intraoral radiographs. The purpose of this article was to identify this incidence and to illustrate the importance of radiographing these teeth. This was a retrospective study of 111 UCFs and 500 nonfractured (control) maxillary fourth premolars in domestic canine patients. The frequency of LEO was 24.3% (27/111) in the UCF population and 0% (0/500) in the control population (P < .0001). These findings are important because UCFs are sometimes ignored or considered insignificant, when in fact a large proportion of them have LEO, indicating periapical pathology. These results suggest that all UCFs be radiographed, even if there are no other abnormalities noted on clinical oral examination.

Correlations among tracheal dimensions, tracheal stent dimensions, and major complications after endoluminal stenting of tracheal collapse syndrome in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Endoluminal tracheal stenting can relieve signs associated with tracheal collapse syndrome (TCS) in dogs, but major complications can result. OBJECTIVE: To identify associations among tracheal dimensions, stent dimensions, and subsequent complications requiring additional stent placement after endoluminal stenting for TCS. ANIMALS: Fifty-two dogs from the hospital population. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that received an endoluminal self-expanding tracheal stent for TCS by the interventional radiology service between 2009 and 2014 were reviewed for relevant data. Signalment and clinical details, including tracheal collapse type, tracheal measurements, nominal stent dimensions, follow-up evaluation times, and stent complications, were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two dogs that received an endoluminal stent for TCS met the inclusion criteria. Major complications included stent fracture (13/52; 25%), obstructive tissue ingrowth (10/52; 19%), and progressive tracheal collapse (6/52; 12%). Natural tracheal taper (P = .04) and more stent diameter oversizing (P = .04) in the intrathoracic (IT) trachea were associated with caudodorsal stent fracture. Only stents with a 14-mm nominal diameter fractured. Progressive tracheal collapse was associated with smaller maximum tracheal diameters (P = .02). The majority of dogs with obstructive tissue ingrowth (7/10; 70%; P = .30) and all dogs with thoracic inlet fractures (3/3; 100%) had tracheal malformations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A higher taper in tracheal diameter may lead to increased risk of fracture in the IT location. Dogs with tracheal malformations may have higher risk for thoracic inlet fracture and development of obstructive tissue ingrowth. Clinicians should be aware of the possible risk factors for tracheal stent complications.

Utility of admission lactate concentration, lactate variables, and shock index in outcome assessment in dogs diagnosed with shock.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether admission venous plasma lactate concentration, calculated lactate variables, or shock index (SI) could discriminate hospital survivors from nonsurvivors in dogs admitted with shock. DESIGN: Prospective investigation performed over a 19-month period. SETTING: Large urban private teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty-three dogs consecutively admitted to the ICU from January 2008 to July 2009 with initial peripheral venous plasma lactate concentration >2 mmol/L (18.0 mg/dL) and clinical and hemodynamic parameters consistent with shock. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and venous plasma lactate concentrations were serially recorded at predefined time points and used to calculate SI (SI = heart rate/systolic blood pressure) and lactate variables, including lactime (time lactate > 2.0 mmol/L), lactate clearance ([lactateinitial - lactatedelayed ]/lactateinitial × 100), and LACAREA (area under the lactate concentration versus time curve). Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Overall survival rate was 61%. Admission venous plasma lactate concentration did not differ between groups (P = 0.2). Lactime was shorter in survivors versus nonsurvivors (P = 0.02). Lactate clearance at 1, 10, 16, 24, and 36 hours, and final lactate clearance were greater in survivors versus nonsurvivors (P < 0.05). LACAREA at time intervals 0-1, 1-4, 4-10, 10-16, 16-24, 24-30, and 30-36 hours was larger in nonsurvivors versus survivors (P < 0.05). Total LACAREA did not differ between groups (P = 0.09). Admission SI and time to normalize SI (SI < 0.9) were not different between survivors and nonsurvivors (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While admission venous plasma lactate concentration could not discriminate between hospital survivors and nonsurvivors, lactate variables showed clinical utility to predict outcome in dogs with shock. Further studies are needed to determine SI reference ranges and optimal SI cut-off values to improve its prognostic ability in sick dogs.

Endoscopic nephrolithotomy for the removal of complicated nephroliths in dogs and cats: 16 kidneys in 12 patients (2005-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To describe techniques and outcomes for dogs and cats undergoing endoscopic nephrolithotomy (ENL) for the removal of complicated nephroliths. ANIMALS: 11 dogs and 1 cat (n = 16 renal units) with complicated nephroliths that underwent ENL via a surgically assisted ENL approach (12 renal units) or a percutaneous nephrolithotomy approach (4 renal units) between December 2005 and June 2017. PROCEDURES: Data were obtained from the medical records regarding preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings. Follow-up information on complications and outcomes was also collected. RESULTS: Indications for nephrolith removal included massive calculi displacing parenchyma (n = 7), recurrent urinary tract infections (5), and ureteral outflow obstruction (4). Median nephrolith diameter was 2.5 cm (range, 0.5 to 5.7 cm). Nephrolith composition differed among patients; calcium oxalate was the most common type (n = 7 [including 2 mixed nephroliths containing ≥ 60% calcium oxalate]). Following ENL (median duration, 180 minutes), 15 of 16 renal units were completely nephrolith free. Procedure-related complications included renal puncture-associated hemorrhage requiring a blood transfusion (n = 1), renal capsule tear (1), and ureteral puncture (1); all were managed without adverse consequence. Five of 12 patients remained alive at the final follow-up (median, 557 days after ENL), and none died from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ENL as performed was safe and effective in removing complicated nephroliths in a renal-sparing manner for the patients in this study. This procedure requires technical training and could be considered for the treatment of complicated nephrolithiasis in dogs and possibly cats.

Comparison of closed root planing with versus without concurrent doxycycline hyclate or clindamycin hydrochloride gel application for the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare improvements in values for periodontal disease indices in dogs following treatment with closed root planing (CRP) alone, CRP with concurrent 8.5% doxycycline hyclate gel application, and CRP with concurrent 2% clindamycin hydrochloride reverse-polymer hydrogel application. DESIGN Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS 34 client-owned dogs with periodontal pockets measuring 3.5 to 5.5 mm deep. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatments: CRP alone (n = 10) or CRP plus 8.5% doxycycline hyclate (12) or 2% clindamycin hydrochloride (12) gel applied within the periodontal pockets. Indices of periodontal disease severity were recorded before and 12 weeks after treatment, and outcomes were compared among treatment groups. RESULTS Except for gingivitis index, no significant differences were identified among the 3 treatment groups in the amount of improvement observed in values for periodontal disease indices following treatment. A minor but clinically unimportant improvement in mean gingivitis index values was identified for dogs treated with CRP plus doxycycline gel, which differed significantly from improvements in the other 2 groups. Teeth that were initially more severely affected (pocket depths, 5.0 to 5.5 mm) had the greatest amount of improvement, whereas teeth with only mildly high initial pocket depths (3.5 to 4.0 mm) had less improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Overall, addition of doxycycline or clindamycin gel application to CRP for the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs yielded no clinically relevant benefit over CRP during the 12-week follow-up period.

Prospective evaluation of an indwelling esophageal balloon dilatation feeding tube for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple dilatation procedures, benign esophageal strictures (BES) remain a recurring cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the use of an indwelling Balloon Dilatation esophagostomy tube (B-Tube) for treatment of BES in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: Nine dogs and 3 cats. METHODS: Animals with BES were recruited for our prospective study. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and balloon dilatation were performed under general anesthesia, followed by placement of an indwelling B-Tube. The animals' owners performed twice daily at-home inflations for approximately 6 weeks. Repeat endoscopy was performed before B-Tube removal. Animals were reevaluated for changes in modified dysphagia score (MDS) after B-Tube removal. RESULTS: The B-Tube management was relatively well tolerated and effective in maintaining dilatation of a BES while in place. These animals underwent a median of 2 anesthetic episodes and were monitored for a median of 472 days (range, 358-1736 days). The mean MDS before treatment was 3.1 ± 0.5/4.0 and final follow-up MDS were significantly (P < .0001) improved at 0.36 ± 0.65/4.0. Eleven of 12 animals (91.7%) had improved MDS at the end of the follow-up period, with 8/12 (66.7%) having an MDS of 0/4, 2/12 (16.7%) an MDS of 1/4, and 1/12 (8.3%) an MDS of 2/4. One dog died. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The B-Tube offers an effective, and more economical method, and often decreased anesthetic time to repeated balloon dilatation procedures for the treatment of BES in dogs and cats.

Breed-Specific Vertebral Heart Scale for the Dachshund.

The objectives of this study were to determine a breed-specific vertebral heart scale (VHS) range for the dachshund and compare results to the established reference range of 9.7 ± 0.5, calculate inter-observer variability, and correlate VHS with echocardiography. Fifty-one normal dachshunds had radiographs and an echocardiogram performed. Five observers measured VHS to the nearest 0.25 vertebra. The data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, Mann-Whitney rank sum test, calculation of reference and confidence intervals, Spearman rank-order correlations, and generation of intra-class correlations and confidence intervals. P < .05 was considered significant. The median for right lateral VHS was significantly larger than left (10.3 [range 9.25-11.55] versus 10.1 [range, 8.7-11.31], p < .0001). VHS for females was significantly larger than for males (left: 10.56 [9.2-11.31] versus 9.74 [8.7-10.88] and right: 10.8 [9.5-11.55] versus 9.99 [9.25-10.8], p = .0002). Observer consistency was high with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.95. No significant correlation was found between left atrial echocardiographic parameters and VHS. Results indicate normal dachshunds have a median VHS above the published generic canine reference range, and VHS can be reliably performed by observers with varying degrees of clinical experience.

Biologic variability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in adult healthy cats.

Objectives The biologic variability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its impact on diagnostic utility is unknown in healthy cats and those with cardiac disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the biologic variation of NT-proBNP within-day and week-to-week in healthy adult cats. Methods Adult cats were prospectively evaluated by complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry, total thyroxine, echocardiography, electrocardiography and blood pressure, to exclude underlying systemic or cardiac disease. Adult healthy cats were enrolled and blood samples were obtained at 11 time points over a 6 week period (0, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h and at weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). The intra-individual (coefficient of variation [CVI]) biologic variation along with index of individuality and reference change values (RCVs) were calculated. Univariate models were analyzed and included comparison of the six different time points for both daily and weekly samples. This was followed by a Tukey's post-hoc adjustment, with a P value of <0.05 being significant. Results The median daily and weekly CVI for the population were 13.1% (range 0-28.7%) and 21.2% (range 3.9-68.1%), respectively. The index of individuality was 0.99 and 1 for daily and weekly samples, respectively. The median daily and weekly RCVs for the population were 39.8% (range 17.0-80.5%) and 60.5% (range 20.1-187.8%), respectively. Conclusions and relevance This study demonstrates high individual variability for NT-proBNP concentrations in a population of adult healthy cats. Further research is warranted to evaluate NT-proBNP variability, particularly how serial measurements of NT-proBNP may be used in the diagnosis and management of cats with cardiac disease.

Evaluation of acute traumatic coagulopathy in dogs and cats following blunt force trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in dogs and cats following blunt trauma and to relate coagulation variables with injury severity and admission variables. DESIGN: Prospective, single center, observational study from 2013 to 2014. SETTING: Urban private referral hospital. ANIMALS: Eighteen and 19 client-owned dogs and cats, respectively, sustaining blunt trauma within 8 hours of presentation without prior resuscitation; 17 healthy staff and client-owned control cats METHODS: Blood samples were collected upon presentation for measurement of blood gas, lactate, blood glucose, ionized calcium, PCV, total plasma protein, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, platelet count, and thromboelastography. RESULTS: ATC was diagnosed in 1 dog and 1 cat on presentation. Hypercoagulability was documented in 4/18 (22%) of dogs and 1/19 (5.3%) of cats. In dogs, prolongation of PT (P = 0.018), aPTT (P = 0.013) and decrease in maximum amplitude (MA) (P = 0.027) were significantly associated with injury severity as measured by the animal trauma triage (ATT) score. In cats, PT, aPTT, MA, and clot strength (G) were not associated with injury severity. In cats, increasing blood glucose and lactate were significantly associated with decreasing MA (P = 0.041, P = 0.031) and G (P = 0.014, P = 0.03). In both dogs (P = 0.002) and cats (P = 0.007), fibrinogen concentration was significantly correlated with G. CONCLUSIONS: ATC is rare in minimally injured dogs and cats following blunt trauma. In dogs, ATT score is significantly associated with PT, aPTT, and MA, suggesting an increased risk of ATC in more severely injured animals. ATT score does not appear to predict coagulopathies in cats. Future studies including more severely injured animals are warranted to better characterize coagulation changes associated with blunt trauma.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Standard Schnauzers: Retrospective Study of 15 Cases.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common myocardial disorder of dogs, typically affecting large and giant breeds. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features of DCM in standard schnauzers. Medical records for 15 standard schnauzers diagnosed with DCM were reviewed. The median age at diagnosis of DCM was 1.6 yr, with all dogs developing left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF). The median age of onset of CHF was 1.6 yr, and was significantly shorter in males (1.5 yr) than for females (2.35 yr). The median survival time after diagnosis of CHF was 22 days, and was shorter in males (13 days) than females (62 days). The occurrence of early onset DCM in multiple closely related standard schnauzers suggests a familial predisposition in this breed. Pedigree analysis confirmed common ancestry for all DCM affected dogs with a most likely autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

A retrospective analysis of environmental risk factors for the diagnosis of deep stromal abscess in 390 horses in North Central Florida from 1991 to 2013.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to identify potential environmental risk factors for the diagnosis of equine deep stromal abscesses (DSA) in the subtropical climate at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center (UFVMC). METHODS: Cases included were selected from the UFVMC medical record and imaging database, and included all cases of equine DSA diagnosed during the period from December 1991 to December 2013 in patients residing in north central Florida. Patient date of diagnosis and atmospheric data was obtained for north central Florida for the corresponding time period. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were generated testing effects and interactions between environmental conditions. RESULTS: When year, sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) and wind were analyzed in the presence of each other, a one-mile per hour increase in wind (P = 0.005) significantly increased the number of DSA cases by 1.63 cases per year. When the influence of temperature was evaluated in conjunction with year and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), the number of cases decreased by 0.1534 per year for every degree increase in temperature (°C) (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Wind speed is the first significant atmospheric risk factor to be identified for DSA formation in the horse. The importance of environmental variance in the incidence of DSA indicates that the pathogenesis of DSA formation may be multifactorial, interdependent and provides support in some horses for the micropuncture hypothesis of DSA formation related to the involvement of environmental conditions causing precorneal tear film and epithelial damage.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS OF CLINICALLY HEALTHY FLORIDA MANATEES (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS).

A standardized echocardiographic technique was recently established for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). There are no available published data on normal echocardiographic parameters in any Sirenian species. The purpose of this study was to report reference parameters for various echocardiographic measurements. These parameters are intended to serve as a comparison for future research into the prevalence of cardiac diseases in the manatee and to aid in diagnosing animals with suspected cardiac disease in rehabilitation facilities. Annual health assessments of free-ranging manatees in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, and pre-release health assessments of rehabilitated manatees at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo permitted comparison of echocardiographic measurements in adult (n=14), subadult (n=7), and calf (n=8) animals under manual restraint.

Across all solid organs, adolescent age recipients have worse transplant organ survival than younger age children: A US national registry analysis.

Univariate analyses suggest that adolescents have worse long-term allograft survival versus younger children across different SOT. This study's objective was to determine whether multivariate analyses of a large national database recording all deceased SOT (KI; LI; HR; LU) also show worse adolescent allograft survival in the different organs. Using data from the national Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients in the USA for pediatric primary SOT from 1989 to 2010, we calculated median half-lives and constructed K-M graft survival curves. Recipient age at transplant (<12 or adolescent 12-17 yr) was fitted with other identical covariates into multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. In all SOT recipients, unadjusted graft survival curves demonstrated better graft survival for adolescents initially, followed by crossing of the lines, such that adolescent SOT recipients had worse survival after one yr (KI), 4.6 yr (LI), 4.4 yr (HR), and 1.6 yr (LU). Multivariate models of the post-cross period showed a significantly higher AHR for worse graft survival in adolescent age across all four SOTs: AHR 1.400 (KI), 1.958 (LI), 1.414 (HR), and 1.576 (LU). Improving adolescent long-term outcomes across all four organs will be a defining issue in the future.